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Donors to the Roger Maris Cancer Center help Hannah Linz play the game of her life

Donors to the Roger Maris Cancer Center help Hannah Linz play the game of her life

In April 2010, Hannah Linz had just completed her freshman year with the NDSU Women’s basketball team – however, simple post-season drills left her out of breath. Concerned, the coaches brought her to the Sanford Emergency Center in Fargo where a large mass was discovered in her chest. It was confirmed to be Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“I was in shock. I couldn’t believe that I had cancer,” said Linz. “I was only 19 years old and in my first year of college, playing college basketball for NDSU. I thought to myself how could this be happening? I work out every day, eat pretty healthy, and I’m young!”
Hannah immediately began six months of chemotherapy and three weeks of radiation therapy that put her cancer in remission.

By her sophomore year, Hannah was back stronger than ever. She was at full strength by her senior year and was within reach of breaking NDSU’s all time three point shooting record.

Unfortunately, in January of 2013 Hannah received devastating news…the cancer had returned.
With her characteristic strength and determination, Hannah geared up for her 2013 cancer battle.

This spring, she underwent a stem cell transplant – a long and difficult process. Her drive, resiliency and resolve to make a difference by becoming a nurse made her the perfect Honorary Chair for 61for61 – an event that has raised nearly $2 million for the Roger Maris Cancer Center for more than 15 years.

“I decided to go into nursing because of the experience I had at the Roger Maris Cancer Center,” said Linz. “Hopefully in my nursing career, I can be that compassionate nurse that I have encountered many times at Roger Maris and give my patient the best care possible.”

As the Honorary Chair and a future nurse, Hannah continues to inspire those around her and lead her to the day when she is cancer-free.

Your gifts to the Sanford Health Foundation and the Roger Maris Cancer Center provide the programs and services that make the treatment and recovery of patients, like Hannah, possible.
To learn more about the Roger Maris Cancer Center or to make a gift, visit foundation.sanfordhealth.org or call the Sanford Health Foundation at (701) 234-6246.

Posted Date: October 2013

Two bouts with cancer didn’t stop Hannah Linz. Her drive, resiliency and resolve to make a difference by becoming a nurse made her the perfect Honorary Chair for 61for61.